Ghana AIDS Commission defends lubricant distribution as vital for HIV prevention
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Ghana AIDS Commission has addressed concerns regarding the distribution of lubricants, asserting they are crucial for the national HIV prevention strategy and not intended to promote any specific group or lifestyle. This response follows remarks by Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, who questioned the distribution of these commodities, suggesting a link to LGBTQIA+ activities, which the proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill aims to prohibit. John Eliasu Mahama, Acting Director of Policy and Planning at the Commission, clarified that the Ministry of Health procures and distributes these items to the general public based on public health data. He emphasized that the supply is a standard intervention to reduce HIV transmission across all demographics, noting that condoms and lubricants are widely used in heterosexual relationships and among vulnerable groups like sex workers. He credited these interventions with reducing HIV prevalence in high-risk populations from 17 percent to 4.7 percent over a decade. Dr. Isaac Annan, Director and Advisor on Human Rights in Parliament, supported the Commission, stating that public health interventions should not be confused with promoting LGBTQ+ activities. He highlighted the role of international partners like the Global Fund, which provides financial support for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV programs, affirming that accepting this support does not undermine Ghana’s sovereignty or dictate domes
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Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has urged President John Mahama to remove Madam Mary Ewusi, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Board GFZB, from her position. This call follows remarks made by Madam Ewusi concerning Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. Apostle Nyamekye had expressed concerns about the impact of illegal mining, known as galamsey, on Ghana's water bodies, noting its effect on the church's river baptisms. Madam Ewusi reportedly warned Apostle Nyamekye against commenting on galamsey, threatening consequences if he continued. Nana Boakye described Madam Ewusi's reaction as a "distasteful attack" on a respected religious leader and characterized it as part of a broader strategy by the current administration to silence critics. He demanded the immediate revocation of Madam Ewusi's appointment and an apology from President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress NDC leadership to Apostle Eric Nyamekye and the Church of Pentecost. Madam Mary Ewusi has since apologized. Nana Boakye affirmed that the opposition and the public would not be silenced regarding the government's performance and vowed that the NPP would continue to hold the administration accountable.
Dr. Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, has issued an apology to Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. The apology follows Dr. Awusi's earlier comments threatening to "deal with" Apostle Nyamekye regarding his public statements on illegal mining, known as galamsey. Speaking on Accra FM, Dr. Awusi acknowledged that her remarks may have offended the church leader, the Church, and the public, stating, "I retract and apologise. I have great respect for the man of God, considering his position as Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. In expressing myself, I may have offended him, the Church, and the general public, and for that, I sincerely apologise. I am human." Her initial warning came after Apostle Nyamekye raised concerns about galamsey during the 48th General Conference of the Church of Pentecost, highlighting its impact on water bodies and traditional baptism practices.
Must ReadThe South African Police Service has condemned recent attacks on Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents, stating that such actions are unlawful and contradict the nation's values of dignity, equality, and human rights. In a statement shared on April 24, 2026, the Ministry of Police warned that xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated, and the South African Police Service SAPS has been instructed to act decisively against those involved. The Ministry urged communities to remain calm and reject division, calling on leaders and organizations to collaborate with law enforcement to prevent further violence. This condemnation follows a viral video showing a South African woman confronting a Ghanaian resident and calling for foreigners to leave. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for a full investigation into the incidents, stating that the South African Foreign Minister has expressed empathy and promised action. Ablakwa also noted that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa, led by High Commissioner Benjamin Quarshie, is providing consular assistance to affected citizens, confirming that no Ghanaian lives have been lost. He urged calm among Ghanaians and reaffirmed the Mahama Administration's commitment to protecting its citizens.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will unveil the world's first customized Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin Box on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The event will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, past presidents, and dignitaries. The box contains a 24-karat, one-ounce gold coin bearing the Asantehene's image, approved by the Bank of Ghana. This innovative piece integrates digital features, including two rechargeable touchscreens: a larger screen playing a documentary on Otumfuo's peacebuilding efforts, and a smaller screen displaying an animation of the gold coin. This technologically enhanced commemorative item is unprecedented for a monarch or traditional leader. Alongside the gold coin box, other commemorative items will be introduced, such as Otumfuo-branded gold bars in various weights 1g, 2.5g, 10g, 20g, 1 oz, 50g, 100g, and 5 oz, commemorative artworks embossed with the gold coin design, and a 24-karat wristwatch. These items symbolize Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s role as a mediator and stabilizing figure, with the gold coin box projecting his peace initiatives, the gold bars representing prosperity from unity, and the wristwatch reflecting his leadership's lasting relevance. The collection aims to transform his contributions to peace and national cohesion into tangible symbols for local and global audiences, resonating with Ghanaians, the African diaspora, and the international community.